MICHAELMAS TIDE. 271 



SEPT. 27. SS. Cosmos and Damian, martyrs, 



about the year 303. 



SS. Delphina and Elzear, 1 369. 



Obs. The Saiats Cosmos and Damian were brothers, and were 

 born in Arabia, but studied in Syria, and became eminent for their 

 skill in physic. When the persecution of Dioclesian began to rage, 

 they were apprehended by the order of Lysias governor of Cilicia, 

 and, after various torments, were beheaded for the faith. 



Maniflovvered Starwort Aster muUiftorus full fl. 

 Winter Cherry Physalis alkakengi still fl. 

 Angulate Winter Cherry Physalis ungulate still fl. 



The remaining few flowers on the Winter Cherries are now suc- 

 ceeded rapidly by their round fruit, that of the common sort being of 

 an orange colour, and that of the squarestalked species being green. 

 We describe ihem now instead of earlier because their plants have 

 now their principal beauty. Indeed the Winter Cherry has not 

 much beauty, except in the autumn, when it is in fruit. It is a na- 

 tive of the south of Europe, Germany, China, and Cochin China. 

 It may be increased by parting the roots after the stalks have de- 

 cayed. This plant loves the shade, and the roots require con- 

 finement. 



In Spain, Switzerland, and some parts of Germany, the country 

 people eat these Cherries. They are only cultivated fur their beauty 

 in Britain. 



A species of the Solanum or Nightshade Soianum Pseudncapsicum 

 is at present more commonly known by the name of Winter Cherry, 

 and in France by those of Morelle Cerisette, Petit Cerisier d'Hiver, 

 Amome des Jardiniers; of which also the fruit in appearance re- 

 sembles the Cherry. It must have shelter from severe frost, and 

 therefore it should be housed, but should not be kept too warm. It 

 ought every year, in the month of April, to be taken out of the pot ; 

 all the decayed and matted roots on the outside should be cut off, 

 and it should be filled up with fresh and good mould. This treat- 

 ment will greatly improve both the flowers and the fruit. The 

 earth must be kept moist for both these plants. 



The plant exhibits its blossoms and fruits both at the same time, 

 as the fruit remains on the shrub all the winter : it is supposed to be 

 poisonous. Cowper says of it: 



The Amomum there with intermingling flowers 

 And Cherries hangs her twigs. 



